Optus Internet Plans Review

There's two routes you can take when choosing an internet plan. You can hunt around for the best, basic plan with all the data you need, or you can shop for something which, while higher in price, wil be packed full of value.

Optus internet plans fall towards the later end of this spectrum. They aren't the cheapest in town if all you want is internet data piped into your home, but if you're interested in Pay TV, streaming TV or sport, then Optus is absolutely worth a look.

What we love about Optus internet plans is how simple they are. If you're after a fixed-line connection -- whether it's ADSL2+, Cable or NBN -- the plans are all the same, and there is only a handful of options to consider. All plans have unlimited data included, so that's one less thing to think about. You're basically just choosing how many bundled extras you want included.

Optus Breakdown

Strengths

Lots of Pay TV bundle options

Full range of technologies available

Super simple product range

Unlmited data on all plans

Discount for bundled mobile phone plan

Weaknesses

Limited no-contract options

Prices start from a minimum of $80 per month

Foxtel bundles don't offer a significant discount

We've put together a checklist of features and options available on Optus plans. Below is a snapshot of what is available but you'll find the full breakdown at the bottom of this page.

How we rate Optus

How Optus compares on pricing

Considering that all Optus fixed-line internet plans start at $80, Optus is far from cheapest. For example, if you compare ADSL2+ plans including unlimited data. the cheapest option is currently $54.95 per month, that's a $25 price difference. Not only, but many of the cheaper options are contract-free, so you can save money and avoid a commitment at the same time.

It's when you look at plans with bundled content that Optus offers start to shine. The next step up in Optus plans includes a Fetch TV box, 35 channels, and Optus Sport. Plus, you get unlimited calls to all numbers in Australia with an included home phone line. Step up to the costliest option, and you also get unlimited calls to a number of overseas countries.

In short, Optus isn't the most cost effective option if all you want is a cheap internet connection. But if you want the extras, and you're happy to have your phone with Optus as well, there are benefits to being a part of the club.

How Much Should You Expect To Pay?

Available internet technologies

Optus sell most of the internet technologies types, so you should be able to find something that will connect well at your address.

ADSL2+: maximum download speed 24Mbps

Still the most popular internet connection in Australia, ADSL2+ is a great choice for most homes waiting for the NBN to be connected. The only major caveat with ADSL2+ is that you need to have an active phone line to use it. You don’t need to pay for a home phone service, but you do need to pay for line rental - though this is often bundled into the total cost of your plan.

Optus is one of only a couple of service providers that can offer a single, national price on all internet plans. Because Optus owns its own equipment in a lot of telephone exchanges and pits across the country, and it doesn’t always lease services from its competitors so the price of a Optus connection is the same regardless of where you live.

NBN: maximum download speed 100Mbps

Optus offers NBN services to homes connected to the new network, but unlike other providers, Optus doesn’t offer four speed tiers. It skips the slowest speed option, and starts at 25Mbps for downloads. You can then opt for a Speed Boost (an extra $20) or a Very fast speed boost for $30 on top of your monthly bill.

Optus also offers Fixed Wireless NBN for people living outside of the populous metro areas.

Cable: maximum download speed 100Mbps

Only Telstra and Optus offer cable internet, and only in a limited number of suburbs across the country. If you’re lucky enough to be in a Cable area, this is your best option before the NBN take over the cable and repurpose it for its new network.

Mobile Broadband: maximum download speed depends on your modem

If you can’t get a fixed-line internet connection, like ADSL2+, then mobile broadband is the next best thing. These are fast internet connections, but it is an expensive alternative. Optus mobile broadband is getting faster all the time, with a new 1Gbps option soon to launch.

What to keep in mind when comparing Optus

Optus Sport- If you're a fan of the English Premier League, then signing on for an Optus plan is the only (legal) way to catch up on every match played throughout the season. And it won't be just the EPL. Optus has big plans to include other high profile sports into the new service.

Cheap Hoyts tickets - As part of every Optus phone and internet plan, customers can take advantage of two discounted tickets to Hoyts cinemas that you can buy every day.

Keep an eye out for Cable - Not many addresses are connected to the Optus Cable network, but if yours is, and you're still waiting for the NBN, then we suggest you jump on it.

WhistleOut Staff Review

Pete O.

Design Magician

Optus Cable $80 My Basics Bundled - 200GB.

"If you can get Optus Cable, I'd say jump on it. At least until the NBN arrives."

Why did you choose it?

I wanted Cable, as Optus is the only provider in my street that I could choose without the cost of installing a new line to my house.

What has it been like?

Good for the past 12 months. Once a month it seems to go 'dark' for 30 minutes here and there. But, for the 3 years before that it was pretty flakey. I'm guessing network congestion seems to have improved in my area.

What do you love about it?

There's no one thing that stands out, but I'm happy now that the connection has been more stable.

What would you change?

I found the customer support can be tricky to navigate when we needed tech support. We got there in the end, but there was a bit of back and forth.

Who would you recommend this to?

If you can get Optus Cable, I'd say jump on it. At least until the NBN arrives, then you'll have a lot more choice for a comparable service.

Questions we're asked about Optus

You only need an active landline for an ADSL2+ connection, because data is transferred across the old copper phone lines. You don't need a phone line for any other connection type, but you can bundle one if you need it.